OYSTERHOOD is reclusiveness or solitude, or an overwhelming desire to stay at home.

— @HaggardHawks

It took me nearly fifteen years to realise that – like me – Mozart loves pistachio ice cream! He would not take no for an answer today when my love and I had our dessert after I’d braaied some chops for us this evening – Mozart wanted his share of the ice cream and that was that (he was not interested in the chops)!

I have been back at my desk full-time again these past two days, and, although a lot of work has been done, I feel once again like I am treading water. But, it’s the nature of this year. One just needs to plough on and hope for the best.

One also needs to understand that mistakes will be made – it’s the pandemic brain and impossible pressures. Miss Molly helps with coping. I am on my second (very!) generous glass …

A woman I know and like very much is in a hospital, fighting to recover from Covid-19. An author I work with is at home, trying to fight off this virus. He says it’s rough. My heart is sore just thinking about it. The numbers everywhere are so frightening that I put on my mask, wash my hands and keep my distance from everyone with renewed fervour. I don’t want this disease! I don’t want to pass it on to anyone either …

My love and I have cancelled all our Christmas plans. No social gatherings of any kind. We will continue to engage with the world, but only in each other’s company. I feel that one-on-one interaction with masks on is fine in all kinds of controlled circumstances, especially outside of confined spaces, but everything is so difficult to judge. One really needs to be careful. It can be a matter of life and death …

An early night. TV, more bubbly and some sleep. What a year!

Recently, I wrote a few book reviews. You can read one of them here: LitNet

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.

“Physical distancing remains one of the key strategies to curb this pandemic.”

— NICD